CPL Harry Stratton Walker

courtesy of Darrell Landrum

CPL Harry Stratton Walker was born 24 Mar 1895 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia the son of Thomas Doub and Mollie Clara (Walker) Newton. His father managed a tobacco factory in Danville, Virginia.  Harry's parents would divorce before 1908 and his mother would remarry Edwin Archer Matthews.  As he approached adulthood, Harry, who was named "Harry Walker Newton" at birth, decided to take is maternal grandfather's name rather than use the surname Newton or take his step-father's name.

After entering the Army and being sent to France, Harry was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry. SGT Walker was killed in action on 23 Oct 1918.

From a newspaper article:

Captain Ewart Johnson, commander of Company L, 116th Infantry has written to Mrs. E. A. Matthews a letter of high commendation of her son, Sergeant Harry S. Walker, who was killed October 23, after volunteering to relieve the desire of wounded men for water and food.

Captain Johnson, after expressing his sympathy and that of his company for the surviving members of the Lynchburgers' family, said: "When I took command of "L" company your son, Harry S. Walker, was a private. I think one of the first promotions I made was his. I first made him a Corporal and then without delay promoted him to a sergeant as I saw in him a splendid ability to lead his men and a readiness to do any duty well..."

CPL Walker was repatriated and now rests forever in Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia.

His namesake grandfather served as a SGT in the Charlotte Light Artillery during the Civil War.